Cutting method and apparatus



Nov. 19, 1940. E. A. DOYLE CUTTING METHOD AND APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1Original Filed July 5, 1935 INVENTOR EDMUND A. DOYLE ATTORNEY Nov. 19,1940.

Original Filed July 3, 1935 E. A. DOYLE CUTTING- METHOD AND APPARATUS 3Sheets-Sheet 2 I. I p... w-np-n...

\vmQmwmkw Z4 Z8 48 4a Tia-5 NVENTOR EDMUND/L DOYLE BY ATTORNEY Nov. 19,1940.

E. A. DOYLE CUTTING METHOD AND APPARATUS 250 W 0 ll- /40 257 I /44 0 I56I64 154 INVENTOR I f ll/l/l/ H EDMUND A :z BY

we we 14 W 360 262 [Z I ATTORNEY 1 min Nov. 19, 1940' 2,221,788

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CUTTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Edmund A.Doyle. Brooklyn, N. Y., assignmto Tthe glide Air Products Company, acorporation 0 0 0 Original application July 3, 1935, Serial No. 29,637.Divided and this application September 30, 1939, Serial No. 297,236

13 Claims. (Cl. 266-23) This invention relates to metal-cutting methodsand machines; and more especially it concerns tube, plate, andbar-cutting machines which are automatic or semi-automatic in character.Certain forms of the invention have especial utility in the continuouscutting into predetermined lengths of ferrous metal articles, such astubing, sheets, bars, strips, and the like. This application is adivision of application Serial No. 29,637 filed July 3, 1935.

Metal tubing is now manufactured by certain well known processes whichinvolve continuously welding the hot abutting edges of the skelp, as byapplying air rich in oxygen to these hot edges and forcing themtogether. The skelp often is 100 ft, or more in length; and since thefinished tubeis hot, it may be sawed into appropriate lengths by meansof a cold saw.

In other processes, especially those involving the use of electricwelding machines for forming and welding cold moving skelp, it isimpractical to cold-saw the resultant tubing into lengths. It is verydifiicult, in .the use of saws and like severing mechanism, to makeclean cuts through the moving tubing without tearing or damaging themetal at either side of the cut.

Apparatus is already known for cutting pipes, involving the use of oneor more cutting torches, spaced apart longitudinally of the pipe andsecured to a frame or carriage which is adapted to rotate around thepipe, or relatively to which the pipe is rotatable. Such apparatus isnot suit able for the automatic continuous cutting into uniform lengthsof pipe moving at high rates of speed or with only linear motion; .andthe advantages of securing an economic cutting operation withcontinuously reproducable results are not readily attainable.

Among the more important objects of the present invention are: Toprovide in novel manner for quickly cutting tubing or plate intopredetermined lengths; toprovlde novel automatic tube cutting apparatusadapted for progressively conducting metal tubing past a cuttingstation; to provide in novel manner for the employment of a plurality ofcoplanar tips or nozzles in the rapid smooth cutting of tubing, plates,bars, and the like; to provide automatic means for continuouslyregulating the fuel gas and oxygen flowing to the tips or nozzles tosecure a highly efiicient use thereof during their cutting action, whileavoiding fuel gas losses during brief periods between successive cuttingoperations; and to provide automatic means for returning the tips ornozzles to their initial cutting positions on moving pipe following eachcutting operation. These and other important advantages will be clearlyevidenced by the following description.

The apparatus features of the invention, according to one modificationthereof especially de- 5 signed for the cutting of continuously movingtubing, comprise means for gripping the tubing, preferably actuated bythe moving tubing to be cut into lengths. This means is mounted upon acarriage which also supports a pluarlity of torches, carried by anannular member and disposed around the tubing and directed more or lessradially towards the surface of the tubing. The car-- riage is movablebackward and forward longitudinally of the tubing at a cutting stationof selected length to locate the nozzles with respect to the work, or topermit the carriage to progress with the continuously moving tubingwhile cutting the same into selected lengths. Means are provided foroscillating the plurality of aligned torches or nozzles as a unitthrough 9.

.small arc of selected amplitude; and mechanism and for quickly turningthe carriage to the initial position after the completion of eachcutting operation. A modified apparatus adapted to cut generally flatplates, bars, strips, and the like, comprises a manifold carrying aplurality of blowpipe nozzles adapted to be reciprocated with respect tothe work in the central plane of the nozzles. oxidizing cutting gas isprojected from the nozzles along the line of cut as the nozzles moverecurrently over the heated work. 1

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, wherein are illustratedcertain embodiments of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus at a cutting station, showing thecarriage and associated parts, portions being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along thelines 22 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, parts beingbroken away, and other parts being shown in section;

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken along the lines 3-3 of Fig. 1,looking in ,the direction of the arrows, parts being broken away andparts shown in section;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the lines 4--4 of Fig.2, looking in the direction of the arrows, parts being broken away;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2,looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of a. modified torchassembly; and

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through another form of torch assembly andassociated parts, adapted for cutting flat metal elements, parts beingbroken away, and other parts being omitted.

The apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to '7 of the drawings is designedparticularly for cooperation with a continuous tube welding machine,which draws ferrous metal material in the form of skelp from a furnace,and forms and welds the tube as the stock progresses through the saidmachine.

The tubing or other metal workpiece being fed continuously from awelding machine by any suitable means may be out into sections ofuniform length while the tubing is moving, and the severed sections thenmay be removed from the cutting zone by a conveyor of suitable type.Mechanism for severing the tubing comprises a reciprocating carriageupon which is mounted the cutting mechanism in the form of anoscillatory or reciprocatory member carrying a series of cuttingtorches. The reciprocations of the carriage may be controlled by themoving tubing through mechanism including a tripping member projectinginto thepath of the tubing, and adjustable longitudinally of the saidpath.

In the idle position of the carriage, the tubing is fed past the cuttingdevice until the desired length has been measured off. The end of thetubing then operates the tripping member, causing a clamp mechanism togrip the tubing, whereupon is initiated a movement of the carriage inthe direction of the feed of the tubing.

The cutting mechanism, mounted upon the movable carriage, is operated toimpinge a plurality of cutting flames upon the pipe at points within atransverse plane through the latter, for a selected period of time,while moving the torches or nozzles back and forth along a fixed path ofselected length in the said transverse plane to effect a rapid cuttingoperation. At a selected point in the path of travel of the carriage,the supplies of gas and oxygen to the torches may be cut on. As thecarriage reaches the end of its path of movement with the tube, thetripping device operates a fluid pressure device which then acts quicklyto release the clamp member and also to return the carriage to itsinitial position. The section of pipe cut on is removed from the path ofthe tubing by a suitable conveyor; and the tripping member then isreturned to its first position in the path of the advancing tubing,ready for initiating a subsequent cycle of operations.

A pair of valves controlling the flow oi oxygen and combustible gas tothe apparatus are mounted upon the carriage, and have control leversadapted to engage the surfaces of cam members supported on the fixedframe and disposed in the paths of movement of the said levers duringthe time the carriage is moving in the direction the tube is traveling.One of the valves controls the feed of a combustible gas to the nozzles,for the initial heating of the tubing at the cutting zone. The othervalve controls the flow of cutting oxygen under relatively high pressureto the nozzles. As each lever passes out of engagement with thecorresponding cam surface, the valve controlled thereby automatically isclosed. During the return movement of the carriage the articulated valvelevers do not ride on top of the cam plates, but move alongside, therebykeeping the valves closed on the return strok Referring now to Figs. 1to 'l of the drawings, a continuous body or length of metal tubing l0advancing from a tube mill, or the like, is supported upon the usualseries of feed rolls (not shown).

Supported upon a stationary frame or table l2 for sliding movement is abed plate or carriage l4 having bevelled side margins l6 engaged bycorresponding grooved margins in the top surface l8 of the frame l2.

Mounted on the carriage I4 is a universal chuck mechanism, comprising apedestal 20 having an upper surface arcuate in vertical section. Securedto the said surface, as by bolts 22, is an annular plate 24 having itsouter margins curved to form a flanged portion 26. An annular coverplate 21 is secured, as by screws, to the flanged margins 26 of theplate. The flanged plate 24 is provided with three pairs of cooperatingradially-disposed internal flanges 28, 28, positioned at pointsequidistant around the periphery of the plate. Each pair of flanges 28,28, cooperate to house, for sliding movement radially of the plate 24, agenerally T-shaped pressure-transmitting member 30. Apertures 32, 34, inthe pedestal 20, and plate 24, permit radial sliding movement of themembers 30 with respect to the said plate.

An annular rotatable camplate 36 is supported within the plate 24 uponrollers 38, the latter being adapted to ride freely upon the insideflanged margin 26 of the plate 24. Three diagonally-disposed, spaced camslots 40 are provided in the camplate at points remote from its innerand outer margins. Pins or connecting members 42 are secured to therespective members 30, and each member 42 has a shouldered portionextending within a roller 48 and a corresponding slot 40 in the plate 36for free movement within the slot. Adjustably secured to an inner end ofeach member 30, by means of a bolt 44, is a longitudinally-adjustableclamping jaw 46, adapted to be pressed radially against the tubingwalls, and to be retracted therefrom. A pair of guide pins 48 have theirrespective end portions disposed within bores in the respective jaw 46and member 30 of each associated group thereof, for assisting tomaintain alignment of these members during their use. A set screw 49facilitates locking each bolt I4 in selected position upon a member 36.

The arrangement of these parts is such that when the camplate 36 isrotated in one direction, each pin 42 and roller is forced toward oneend of the corresponding slot, and thus acts through the member 30 andjaw 46 to retract the latter from contact with the tubing Ill. When thecamplate is rotated in the other direction, each pin is forced towardthe opposite end of the slot associated therewith, and acts to force thejaw 46 into pressing engagement with the tubing, as indicated in Fig. 2.

For actuating the camplate to rotate the. latter through a suitable arc,means are provided which include a double-acting fluid-operated pumpmounted upon the flanged portion 26 of the plate 24, and having theusual piston operating in a cylinder 52 having ports connected with twoair lines 54, 56. Secured to the piston rod 50 by a bolt is a short rack58 adapted to engage with a pinion 60 rotatably mounted upon 75 thebearing member 62 carried by the plate 24. A roller 63 mounted upon theplate 24 serves to support 'the rack and keep it meshed with gear 60 atall times,relieving piston rod 60 from strain.

6 A short arcuate-shaped rack 64 secured to the camplate 36 also mesheswith the pinion 60 A removable cover 66 permits access tothe aircylinder packing nut. The arrangement of parts is such that, uponactuation of the piston oi the cylinder 52 in one direction, thecamplate is rotated in one direction through a limited arc; and thatwhen the piston moves in the opposite direction, a corresponding reversemovement of the camplate and associated parts occurs, thereby l causingall of the clamping jaws 46 to act simultaneously to seize or releasethe moving tubing III.

,For actuating the cylinder to operate the clutch mechanism, means areprovided including 2 a. longitudinally-adjustable tripper arm I0,pivotally mounted upon the frame I2 at a suitable point beyond thecarriage I4 in the path of travel of the tubing I0, formovement into and-out of the line of travel of the pipe. The tripper has an adjustablestop member I2 for limiting its movement in one direction. The arm IIIhas at its lower end a tube-riding memberv I4 of hardened metal having acurved surface in the side facing the oncoming tubing.

An air valve shipper rod I6 is carried by the frame I2, and is supportedfor longitudinal sliding movement upon a pedestal or bearing member I8secured to the frame. A compression spring 80 is disposed between thebearing I8 and a collar 82 secured to the rod I6; while the other end ofthe rod I6 is pivotally connected with a midportion of the tripper armI0. Adjustably secured upon the rod I6 are two spaced collars 84, 66,the positions of which are regulatable in well-known manner. Alsomounted upon the rod between the collars 84, 86, for free longitudinalsliding movement is a collar 88 having pins on its outer surface adaptedto extend through elongated slots 90 in. the span of a yoke formed at anend of a lever 92. The latter forms part of a self-locking four-wayvalve 94 of well-known type, having a single inlet 96, (Fig. 3) an airexhaust line 91, and having two alternatively open and closed outlets.The valve has no neutral position. One of the said outlets is connectedwith the air line 54; and the other of said outlets is connected withthe air line 56 and also, through a flexible connection 98, with asingle-acting air cylinder I00. The latter has a piston provided with apiston rod I02 secured to a depending ear I04 of the carriage I4, forreturning the latter to the initial or starting position after eachcutting operation. In the position of the valve lever 92 shown in fulllines in 0 Fig. 1, the chuck is released, and air is operating thepiston in cylinder I00; whereas in the alternate position, shown indotted lines, the chuck is locked on the pipe, and air from the cylinderI00 is being exhausted through conduits 98 and 91.

.The cutting of the moving tubing into the desired lengths is effectedby a plurality of torches, disposed radially around the tubing, andoperating as a unit. The mechanism used for this purpose, in the form ofthe invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6, includes an annular hollow tubularcutting head or manifold I I0 mounted for rotary movement upon aplurality of flanged guide rollers 2 carried upon brackets II3 secured76 to or formingpart of the pedestal 20 and plate 24, as shown in Figs.1 to 3. A gas manifold H4 is disposed concentrically within the manifold0. Water or other cooling fluid is circulated in the space between thesemanifolds, the same entering from inlet line H6 and leaving 5 throughthe outlet line II8. A baiiie I20 is disposed in the manifold IIO tofacilitate circulation of the coolingmedium. Each of a plurality ofradially-disposed torch nozzles I22 has an end thereof in permanentcommunication with 10 the gas'manifold H4, and provides a fluid-tightconnection with both manifolds H0, H4. The torch nozzles may be replacedby others of shorter or, greater length to adapt the device for thecutting of tubing of any desired diameter 16 and wall thickness, or theindividual nozzles may bemade adjustable radially in suitable manner.For oscillating the battery of torches or nozzles I22 as a unit in aselected are transversely of the tubing, there is provided a motor I24,and an 20 interconnected reduction gear indicated generally at I26, bothmounted upon a platform I28 carried by the housing plate 24. Thereduction gear is operatively connected with the manifold IIO by meansof a link member I30 pivotally, connected 26 at the respective ends withthe said gear and with the manifold H0. The amplitude of the oscillationis regulated by varying the distance from the axis of rotation of arotable member I32 to the point on such member at which'the 30 link I30is connected thereto. By the employment of a universal motor the rate ofoscillation may beregulated at will.

For introducing a combustible gas mixture to the manifold II4 during theinitial stages of a 85 cutting operation there are provided acombustible gas inlet line I40 leading toa plungertype cut-ofi valve I42of well known design, and an oxygen inlet line I44 leading to a similarcut-off valve I46, the said valves being mounted for movement with thecarriage I4. The valves I42, I46, are connected with a mixer I4'I (Fig.3) through valve-controlled flexible lines I49, I5I, respectively; andthe mixer is in permanent communication with the manifold H4. The valvesI42 and I46 have connected therewith the respective dependinggfulcrumlevers I48, I50, each hinged as at I52 for vertical movement, andadapted, when in their lowermost position, to permit the valves normallyto close but, when 50 raised, to act to open the respective valves. Therespective levers I48, I50 have aligned extensions I54, I56 hingedthereto, as at I58,'for lateral pivotal movement from such alignmentonly in the direction of the forward movement of the 55 carriage I4.Springs I60 mounted on the levers and extensions resist this pivotalmovement and normally urge each of the extensions I 54, I 56 intoalignment with its associated lever. Pilot light means I6I provides forigniting the combustible 0 gas at the beginning of each operation.

For operating the valves I42, I46 at the proper intervals there areprovided a pair of longitudi: nally-disposed cam members I 62, I 64,mounted uponbrackets I66, I66, secured to the side of 5 the frame I2, asby welding. The end of each of these members I62, I64, adjacent theextensions I54, I56, at the beginning of a. cutting operation has itsupper surface bevelled to form a sloping surface I5I extending into thepath of move- 7 ment of these extensions and upon which the latter areadapted to slide during forward movement of the carriage.

The cams I62, I64 preferably are so disposed that the valves I42, I46,are opened simultaneously upon initial movement of the carriage. The camI62 is shorter than the cam I66;'the length being such that the mixtureof combustible gas and oxygen fed to the torches or nomles I22 duringmovement of the carriage along this portion of its path of travel servesto heat the tubing adjacent to the nozzles to a heat suitable for acutting operation whenever the workpiece initially is below the kindlingtemperature.

As the extension I56 passes beyond the end of the cam I62, the lever I46drops or is forced down by a valve spring in well-known manner, therebycutting off the supply of combustible gas to the nozzles or torches.Oxygen continues to be supplied to the nozzles for the cutting operationuntil the extension I56 passes beyond the end of cam I66, at which timethe valve I46 is closed. cutting oif the oxygen. The length of therespective cams is such that the cutting operation is completedimmediately prior to the tripping of the lever- 92 by the collar 86,which causes the release of the tubing by the clamping members and thereturn of the carriage to its initial or starting position.

For supporting and quickly removing the cut oil. lengths of tubing,there may be provided a series of conveyor rolls such as that showndiagrammatically at I10, which rolls are driven through suitable means,such as the sprocket and chain shown, at a higher speed than the normalspeed of the tubing past the cutting mechanism. Thus as soon as thecutting operation is completed the tubing quickly is removed, permittingthe tripper member 10 to return to its initial 85 position, shown'infull lines in Fig. 1. Other suitable means for removing the cut tubingmay be employed.

Figure 7 illustrates somewhat diagrammatically a modified form ofcutting mechanism especially 40 adapted for concurrently cutting tubingand bevelling the cut margins thereof. In the form shown, the manifoldmember IIII is similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 3. A secondary orauxiliary manifold 2I0 is carried by the manifold I I0 with the sides ofthe manifolds arranged in parallel planes. The manifolds III! and Illare adjustably secured together for movement toward and away from eachother by'means of the stud bolts 2I2, having thereon the lock nuts 2. 5The row or series of torch nozzles 2I6 of.the manifold I I 0 in thismodification is directed radially inward and also forwardly of a medianplane through the manifold; while the row of nozzles 2I8 of the manifold2I0 is directed inwardly and- 5 rearwardly of such median plane throughthe manifold, both rows thereby being inclined trans versely relative tothe central plane of "the cut. Each of the manifolds III), 2), isprovided with cooling fluid inlet and outlet lines-I I6, "6. Ob- 60viously, either or both of the manifolds III, 2"], and the nozzlesassociated therewith, readily may be replaced'by others provided withnozzles of different sizes or designs; or with nozzles having differentspacings, 5 Referring now to the modification of the inventionillustrated somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 8, and which is especiallyadapted for the rapid cutting of elongated metal bodies such as fiatmetal plates or sheets, a supporting struc- 70 ture 250 is provided fora motor I24, reduction gear I26, oxygen and combustible gas valves, gasmixing chamber I41, and a manifold 256 and associated parts, generallysimilar to the corresponding parts hereinbefore described. The sup- 75port 250 is in the form of a carriage, movable longitudinally along aframe I2 in manner similar to the carriage I I, being actuated bysuitable means such as a double-acting air cylinder (not shown)controlled by a valve generally similar to valve 64. Mounted withingrooves 252 in the 5 forward side of the support 250 for slidingmovement therein transversely of the path of travel of the carriage 250is a reciprocable supporting member 254 having secured thereto anelongated narrow manifold 256 housed in a jacket member 10 251 extendingsubstantially across the full width of a plate 256 to be cut. The latteris adapted to be supported upon a series of rollers 260 and moved alongbeneath the carriage 250. A plurality of torch nozzles 262 are securedin the base 15 of manifold 256 and are arranged in a row in the sameplane inwhich they reciprocate, transversely of the path of movement ofthe carriage 256. The manifold 256 is provided with the cooli215 jacket251 having water inlet 266 and outlet 20 The member 251 is connectedwith the member I32 of the reduction gear by the link I30, the latterbeing pivotally connected at its respective ends to the member I32 andto a boss 210 on the 25 member 251.

In this form of the invention a clamping mechanism for the plate 256 isnot essential. Any slippage of the plate affecting its rate of travel isrelatively small, due to the large frictional 30 coefiicient. Any normalslippage may be compensated for in regulating the operation of theapparatus. If desired, however, any suitable means for selectivelyconnecting and disconnecting the carriage 250 and the plate in themanner 85 described may be employed. Thus, electromagnets may be mountedupon the carriage 250 at opposite sides of the frame I2. The operationof the electromagnets for suitably connecting and disconnecting thecarriage and the plate is 4 controlled by an electric switch connectedwith the lever operating thepreheating gas valve, or that operating avalve similar to air valve 94. This constructionis suitable for use withcold metal. The magnets are placed sufliciently remote from the row offlames that they do not receive too much heat from thelatter. Mechanicalmeans for gripping the plate at its opposite edges, and preferablyoperated by the usual geardriven plate-supporting rolls, such as thoseof a rolling mill, likewise may be used, especially in cutting hotplate. The other parts are similar to those described in connection withthe modification shown in Figs. 1 to 6.

In the operation of the device of Figs. 1 to 6, assume that tubing ismoving from an automatic welding machine in the direction indicated bythe arrow in Fig. 1, impelled at a suitable rate by mechanism which doesnot form part of the present invention. As the advancing end of thetubing I0 engages the member 14, the latter is moved about its pivot andrides against the tubing, at the same time moving the bar 16 and lever92 to the right, introducing air under pressure into line 54 to actuatethe clutch to grip 55 the tubing, (the air lines 56 and 96 being open tothe atmopshere), causing the carriage and parts mounted thereon to movewith the pipe, sliding upon the frame or table I2. The motor I 24operates continuously to cause slow oscillatory motion of the manifoldIII producing recurrent movement of the nozzles I22 over the tube Iii.As the valve extensions I56, I58, contact with the respective camsurfaces I62, I64,

the valves are opened to supply gas and oxygen 7 $l,ilil1,788

to the mixing chamber I41. The resultant flames impinge upon the outersurfaces of the tubing encircled by the manifold IIILand an annular zoneof the tubing quickly isbrought to a temperature required for cuttingit. Upon further movement of the carriage the extension I54 passesbeyond the end of the cam I62, and a spring or the like causes the leverI48 to drop and close the valve I42, cutting off the flow of combustiblegas. The oxygen, however, continues to be supplied for the flame cuttingoperation until the extension I56 passes beyond the end of cam I64, thiscam surface being of such length that the cutting operation is thencompleted.

Upon further movement of the tubing, the.

lever 92 engages the collar 86 on the shipper rod I6, and swings to theleft (Fig. 1), releasing the air pressure in line 54, and feedingcompressed air to the lines 56 and 98. This causes positive actuation ofthe clutch to release the pipe, and actuation of the piston in cylinderI66 quickly to retract the carriage to its initial position. Duringretraction of the carriage the extensions I54, I56, do not ride upon thecam surface, but swing on their vertical hinges I58 (as indicated indotted lines in Fig. 1 with respect to extension I 54). When they areclear of the cams they again are aligned with the levers I48, I66, underaction of the springs associated therewith.

The end of the tubing in advance of the carriage is carried upon, one ormore rollers of a driven conveyor operating at a somewhat higher speedthan that at which the carriage and tubing normally travel. Thus as soonas the cutting operation is complete, the cut section is removed,

and permits the tripper III to return to its normal position. In thisposition the collar 84 cannot actuate the lever 92. Thereafter, as thetubing progressively moves, the forward end again contacts the tripper16 which swings to the right and causes the collar'84 to actuate thelever 92', and the series of operations described above are repeated.

Welded tubing moving from automatic welding ma'chines may move at aspeed as high as 60 feet per minute. By the practice of the presentinvention it is possible to out such tubing into short lengths,such as10 feet lengths,within a period of as low as 10- seconds. That is tosay, the carriage carrying the series of torches moves forward at thesame speed as the tubing. mean- 1 while heating and severing it, andthenthe carriage returns to the starting position, ready for another cycleof operations, all within a as short as 10 seconds. I

The accurate positioning of the manifold I I 6 period with respect tothe tubing being cut is effected by suitable regulation of theindividual clamping jaws 46 of the respective members 36. Thus it ispossible tocenter the tubing with respect to the manifold when necessaryto compensate for irregularities in tubing conformation due to anywarping that may occur during or subsequent to its formation. Due to theoscillatory movement of the torch assembly, the flame cutting oxygenjets effect a clean cut or kerf along a sharplydefined line.

Furthermore, in the use of a combustion type cutting operation, it isnot imperative that the cutting device be moved at exactly the same rateas the tubing or plate during all or any part of the operation, althoughsuch movement in unison is highly desirable. Thus the present cuttingmechanism can function under conditions where flying shears and similarmechanical cutters would be destroyed or-seriously damaged.

In the operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8, for the cutting offlat stock into predetermined lengths the carriage 266 may be moved fromone end of the cutting station to the other by means of a double actingair cylinder having associated therewith parts generally similar to thecorresponding parts shown in Fig. 1. The cylinder may be mounted eitherabove or at the'side oi the moving plate 258. The manifold isreciprocated laterally of the stock during the cutting operation. Eachnozzle operates recurrently over a limited zone or path in the mannerpreviously described. After each cutting operation the air cylinderreturns the carriage and battery of cutting torches to the initial orstarting position. The construction of parts, and the operation of themotor, preferably are such that movement of the manifold in onedirection begins substantially at the moment the valves open for theintroductionof a combustible mixture to the manifold, at the beginningofeach cutting operation.

It will be understood that it is not essential that so-called cuttingnozzles be utilized for the cutting operations. Welding nozzles incertain instances may be used, especially for cutting small diameter,thin-walled tubing; or combinations of cutting nozzles and weldingnozzles may be used to control the distribution of the heat and securethe most eflicient cutting of the materials.

Furthermore, it is not necessary that all of the nozzles be operated.Any selected number thereof may be blanked ofi, or their functioningsuspended. Thus every alternate nozzle only may be employed; or onlythose nozzles at the upper I portion of the annular manifold I III maybe used.

The manifold'may be equipped with any suit able number of cuttingnozzles, depending upon the amplitude of the are through which thenozzles are to move. Welding nozzles also may be employed, so disposedand operated that, after the preheating is accomplished and thecombustible gas is shut ofi, the welding nozzles act as cutting nozzles.Combinations of cutting and welding nozzles advantageously may be usedfor flame cutting very small diameter thin-wall tubing. a

It will .be understood that the modifications of the inventionspecifically described supra are for purposes of illustration only, andthat wide de-' partures therefrom may be made within the scope I of theappended claims. Thus a mixing chamber closed,. preferably when, or justafter, the valve I46 opens. Thus it is possible to increase the flow ofcutting oxygen to the manifold independently of any reduction in orcutting off of the flow of the heating gasmixture thereto.

While the preserit invention has special utility in the cutting ofmetal, its use is in nowise limited thereto; and it conveniently alsomay be utilized for severing preselected lengths of tubing, plates,bars, and rodsmade of glass, ceramics, and other materials.

The invention is susceptible of modification within the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of flame-cutting a metal body, which comprises directing aplurality of spaced flame-cutting jets upon said body within the planeof a desired cut; and while so directed, recurrently' moving said jetsas a unit in said plane along a selected path of fixed length, wherebysaid jets traverse a selected path upon said body and form a kerftherein. I 2. A method of flame-cutting a metal body, which comprisesconcurrently directing a plurality of spaced flame-cutting jets uponsaid body within theplane of the desired cut; and repeatedly moving saidjets back and forth as a unit at a selected rate in said plane along aselected path of. fixed length, whereby said jets form a kerf in saidbody.

3. A method of flame-cutting a metal body, which comprises concurrentlydirecting a plurality of spaced flame-cutting jets upon said body withinthe plane of the desired cut; and repeatedly reciprocating said jets asa unit within said plane along a fixed path of selected length, at afixed rate, whereby said jets form a kerf in said 4. A method offlame-cutting a metal body, which comprises concurrently directing aplurality of spaced flame-cutting jets upon said body within the planeof the desired cut, and repeatedly oscillating said jets as a unit insaid plane along a fixed curved path of selected length, at apredetermined rate, whereby said jets form a kerf in said body.

5. Method of severing sections of equal length from an elongated ferrousmetal body while the latter is moving continuously in the direction ofits length, comprising the steps of directing gaseous heating andcutting jets against said body in a plane extending transversely of thepath of movement of said body; moving said jets in unison back and forthtransversely of said path while said jets are directed against thesurface of said body along a line within said plane; advancing said jetsat the same'rate as said body and for a predetermined distance parallelto said path while said jets are moving transversely of said path;shutting off a portion only of the gaseous supply to said jets duringthe advance of said jets, until the termination of such severingoperation; and, at the end of such predetermined distance of advance,quickly restoring said jets to their initial position for a repetitionof said severing operation.

6. Method of severing sections of equal length from an elongatedferrousmetal body while the with fuel gas and oxygen during a portiononly of the advance thereof to preheat said body;

shutting off such fuel gas supply to said gaseous.

jets at the end of the preheat period while continuing oxygen supplythereto for severing said body; shutting off such oxygen supp y 50 saidjets after the termination of the severing operation: and, at the end ofsuch predetermined distance of advance, quickly restoring said jets totheir initial position for a repetition of said severing operation.

7. Method of severing successive sections of predetermined length froman elongated metal body which is continuously moving in the direction ofits length, which method comprises directing .a pluralityof'closely-spaced flame-cutting jets upon said body within the plane ofa desired cut, repeatedly moving said jets as a unit relative to saidbody in said plane at a predetermined rate along a fixed path'ofselected length, while moving said jets in the same direction as themovement of said body and at the same rate of speed as the latter,thereby severing from said body a section thereof of predeterminedlength, interrupting said jets upon the completion of a severingoperation, and subsequently directing the said jets upon another portionofsaid moving body within the plane of a second desired cut. 8.Apparatus for flame-cutting a metal body,

comprising a plurality of spaced flame-cutting torch nozzles disposedwithin 'a common plane for projecting flame-cutting jets at spacedpoints along a line of cut on said body; and means providing recurrentmovement of said nozzles as a unit relative to said body along a fixedpath of selected length within said plane.

9. Apparatus for flame-cutting a.metal body, comprising a plurality ofspaced flame-cutting nozzles adapted to discharge flame-cutting jetsupon said bodywitliin the plane of the desired cut; means forreciprocating said nozzles as a unit in said plane along a fixed path ofselected length; and means for regulating the rate of reciprocation ofsaid nozzles.

10. Apparatus for severing sections of equal length from an elongatedferrous metal body while the latter is moving continuously in thedirection of its length, such apparatus comprisin combination, a row ofnozzles disposed in a plane extending transversely of the path ofmovement of said body and adapted to discharge gaseous heating andcutting jets; a support for said row of nozzles; means for moving saidsupport and said nozzles in unison back and forth transversely of saidpath while the gaseous heating and cutting jets of the nozzles aredirected against the surface of said body along a line within saidplane; mechanism so constructed and arranged that said support and saidrow of nozzles are advanced at the same rate as said body and apredetermined distance parallel to said path versely of said path tosever said body; means rendered operative at the end of suchpredetermined distance of advance, to move said support and nozzles thesame distance in a reverse direction parallel to said path and therebyreturn said support and said nozzles to their initial position for arepetition of such severing operation; means, rendered'operative justprior to the initiation of such return movement, to interrupt theadvance of said support and said nozzles; and means, rendered operativeduring the advance of said support and said nozzles, to shut oil? aportion only of the gaseous supply to said jets until such severingoperation is completed.

11. Apparatus for severing sections of equal length from an elongatedferrous metal boay while the latter is moving continuously in thedirection of its length, such apparatus comprising, in combi ation, arow of cutting nozzles disposed in a plane extending transversely of thepath of movement of said body and adapted to discharge gaseous heatingand cutting jets; a support for said row of nozzles; means for supplyingfuel gas and oxygen to said nozzles; means for moving said support andsaid nozzles in unison back and forth transversely of said path whilethe gaseous heating and cutting jets of the nozzles are directed againstthe surface of said body to sever the latter along a line within-saidplane; mechanism so constructed and arranged that said support and saidrow of nozzles are advanced at the same rate as said body and apredetermined distance parallel to said pathwhile the support andnozzles are moving transversely of said path; means, rendered operativeduring the advance or said support and said nozzles, to shut ofi suchfuel gas supply to said gaseous jets, until the termination of suchsevering operation; means, rendered operative after the termination ofthe severing operation and prior to the termination of the advance ofsaid support and said nozzles, to shut ofi such oxygen supply to saidjets until a repetition of the severing operation is initiated; means,rendered operative at the end of such predetermined distance of advance,to move said support and nozzles the same distance in a reversedirection parallel to said path and thereby return said support and saidnozzles to their initial position for a repetition of such severingoperation; and means, rendered operative just prior to the initiation ofsuch return movement, to interrupt the advance of said support and saidnozzles.

12. Apparatus for flame-cutting a metal body comprising at least one rowof spaced flame-cutting torch nozzles for projecting flame-cutting jetsat spaced points along a line of cut on said body; and power-drivenmeans operable to recurrently move said nozzles as a unit relative tosaid body along a fixed path of selected length, whereby said jets aremoved along said line of cut.

13. Apparatus for flame-cutting a ferrous metal body, comprising tworows of flame-cutting nozzles adapted to project separate rows offlamecutting jets against a metal body along a predetermined line ofcut; and means providing recurrent movement of each of said rows ofnozzles in unison over a fixed path relative to said body, therebymoving said jets along said line of cut to form a cut in said body, saidrespective rows of nozzles being constructed and arranged to inclinesaid respective-rows of flame-cutting jets in opposite directionstransversely of the central plane of said out.

EDMUND A. DOYLE.

